Adaptation of endothelial cells in arteries under axial stretch in organ culture

To determine the adaptation of arterial endothelial cells under elevated axial stretch, arteries were perfused at physiological pressure and flow rate in an organ culture system. Endothelial cell shape, orientation, and proliferation were examined after the arteries were cultured at 20% increase in axial stretch ratio for 7 days. Results showed that endothelial cells demonstrated normal morphology and function. Cell proliferation was increased in the intimal layer of the stretched arteries as compared to the control arteries. These results suggest that arteries can be elongated without affecting endothelium morphology and function.